Kent BeatleFest Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Beatlemania

On Feb. 7, 1964, the Beatles landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City for their first visit to the United States. Two days later, the Fab Four broke television audience records with their history-making appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show” on CBS. The world would never be the same.

The Kent BeatleFest will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Beatlemania on Feb. 7- 8 in downtown Kent. The event will feature free live Beatles and British Invasion music at 12 downtown Kent venues on Friday, Feb. 7, along with ultra-rare Beatles films at the Kent Stage.

“We have a great lineup of music, including excellent Beatles tribute bands as well as classical ensembles and even a jazz-rock big band,” says Mike Beder, owner of the Water Street Tavern and the Venice Café. “There truly is something for everyone, and it’s all free and within easy walking distance.”

On Saturday, Feb. 8 at 8 p.m., the Beatles tribute band Hard Day’s Night performs at the Kent Stage. The concert will feature the Northeast Ohio band performing songs from all phases of the Beatles career, from “The Ed Sullivan Show” to their final album, “Let It Be.” Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 on the day of the show. Tickets are available at www.thekentstage.com.

The Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center is offering a special rate of $119 per night for Kent BeatleFest weekend. Reservations can be made by calling 330-346-0100 or online at www.kentstatehotel using the rate code BFM.

Main Street Kent, a non-profit organization focused on the revitalization of downtown Kent, is joining in the celebration of the Beatles 50th anniversary with a special offering on Feb. 8.

The Beatles 50th Anniversary Progressive Event will feature an evening of cocktails, food and live music and food, including the Hard Day’s Night show at the Kent Stage. The event begins at 5 p.m. at the newly revitalized Venice Café, where ticketholders will enjoy two cocktails of their choice and live music. The event will then move to the Laziza restaurant for a full dinner from 6:15 p.m. to 7:45pm. Following the 8 p.m. concert at the Kent Stage, the event will conclude with dessert and a nightcap at the Secret Cellar, Kent’s new wine and jazz bar.

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